• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Five approaches for more sustainable beauty packaging

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    LemuGroup prepares for Open House in Spain

    Appvion invests in new coating equipment

    Phoenix Challenge Foundation announces High School winners
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Five approaches for more sustainable beauty packaging

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    Flexo Wash introduces FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    NarrowWebExchange.com, LLC

    Martin Automatic Inc.

    Spinnaker Coating, LLC

    Delta ModTech

    KTI
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    Boosting e-commerce with return labels

    The e-commerce boom has increased online sales, as well as online returns.

    Boosting e-commerce with return labels
    Related CONTENT
    • O Labels Software Technology by Industry
    • Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    • GraphTech Ltd.
    • Global Graphics touts SmartDFE
    • Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom
    Amin Sikander, Head of Supply Chain Practice and Co-founder, Gaea Global Technologies10.14.20
    Since the second quarter of 2020, e-commerce has increased due to onsite shopping restrictions resulting from the pandemic. Customers went online to purchase food, cleaning supplies and clothing.

    According to Adobe’s Digital Economy Index, in the US, e-commerce increased 49% in April compared to the prior month.

    This trend does not appear to be a short-term spike. Retail e-commerce is expected to continue increasing in a post-COVID-19 world. In June, large retailer Inditex announced that it will close about 1,200 retail stores around the world to boost online shopping. Other companies are likely to follow suit.

    If online sales increase, it is logical that online returns will also increase not only because of the increased sales, but because shopping online is a different experience than shopping in a brick-and-mortar store. Online shoppers are unable to try on items to judge fit and material before purchase. As a result, some customers buy several slightly different items, or even the same item in different sizes and colors. They try the items on at home and return what they don’t want. It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that online purchases are returned up to 30% more often than in-store purchases.

    Increased online returns can become a problem for some retailers, who will have to find new processes – specifically labeling processes – to streamline reverse logistics. Without streamlining their return processes now, they may be unable to maintain current margins without adding return fees for customers, who are currently quite used to returning items for free.

    Having to pay for returns will likely prevent consumers from purchasing items online, so brands usually cover this cost. But what exactly are the return costs? First, there is the logistics cost. This cost comes from the software and personnel required to start a return in their system and send a return label to the customer, and to track the shipment until it arrives at the facility where it is then inspected. This process can take more or less time based on the capabilities to streamline reverse shipping, the number of parties involved, and location, among other details.

    The second cost has to do with the product. Once a brand has received a returned item, it will have to determine if the item can be immediately restocked or if it needs to be repacked. If a brand can’t resell a product, should it be donated, recycled, or go to a landfill? The decision varies based on the product, the timing, the condition, and so on. But for retailers, it’s more likely that a product will be inspected, steamed, and restocked, so it is crucial to receive that product quickly.

    According to Gartner Research, less than half of all returns are resold at full price. Delayed returns can cause excess of inventory and loss; it is difficult to sell a wool scarf in April or a swimsuit after the summer season. In other words, the sooner a product is restocked, the sooner it will be available to a new customer, and reverse logistics, labeling in particular, plays a key role.

    The return process starts with return labels
    Return labels help allocate and classify a product throughout the return process. A misspelling, incorrect format, blank field, or an outdated label can delay return shipping. Accurate information in return labels is vital to maintain a smooth reverse logistics process, margins, and stock moving in and out of the warehouse in the shortest possible time.

    Companies sometimes overlook the labeling process and focus on improving other areas of their supply chain, like fleet and warehouses, but labels are equally important. The automated label generation process is becoming a popular improvement.

    The practice of a consumer contacting customer service to process a return or manually enter shipping information – the type of shipment, username, account number, and so on – to generate return labels should be left behind. Technology opens many possibilities and new ways to make this process efficient.

    Customers will return if the return process is easy. Easy returns – and an easy labeling process – can also increase customer satisfaction and retention. According to a return logistics company survey, almost three-quarters of American consumers stated that returns are their least favorite part of online shopping. A recent report also showed that 89% of consumers are less likely to shop from the same retailer if they have a bad return experience.

    Customers don’t want to spend time filling out a form to return a product or waiting for customer service to verify a return and email a shipping label. A system for online returns with quick access to return labels can retain customers as it gives them the speed and convenience they desire. In the end, customers will return if they have a good experience even though they returned a product.

    Analyze labeling processes
    To sum up, with online shopping growing exponentially and a forecast of higher than average online returns, retailers should focus their attention on reverse logistics processes and technology, particularly on return labeling processes. This focus shift will prevent high costs associated with return delays and help increase brand reputation and consumer trust.

    Retailers can ask sample questions to analyze their current labeling processes and identify areas of improvement. For example:

    Label Generation
    • How much time are we investing in generating return labels?
    • How much time do we spend on supplier compliance for labels?
    • Do we have the ability to automatically generate return labels if a return is requested?
    System integration
    • Does our labeling software integrate with other supply chain systems?
    • Can we generate labels based on business rules?
    • How is this process being handled now?
    Label Management
    • How do we store our label templates?
    • Do we have a management system to centralize label templates, or each department is working in its own silo?
    Shipment Tracking
    • Do we have a system to track returns?
    • Are all our returns that arrive at our dock door properly labeled?
    • Do some of them arrive with little or no documentation?
    Customer Feedback
    • Have we surveyed customers for their opinions when processing returns?
    • Are customers satisfied with the process, or do they find it cumbersome?
    Suggested For You
    O Labels     Software Technology by Industry O Labels Software Technology by Industry
    Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    GraphTech Ltd. GraphTech Ltd.
    Global Graphics touts SmartDFE Global Graphics touts SmartDFE
    Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom
    Fujifilm forecasts bright future for labels Fujifilm forecasts bright future for labels
    Fujifilm responds to label and packaging growth with versatile portfolio Fujifilm responds to label and packaging growth with versatile portfolio
    Archroma launches online regulatory and compliance platform Archroma launches online regulatory and compliance platform
    Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island Toray Plastics (America) delivering clean energy to Rhode Island
    Michelman preparing for 10th Annual Global Day of Service Michelman preparing for 10th Annual Global Day of Service
    Flint Group Narrow Web introduces ‘Evolution Series’ of coating products Flint Group Narrow Web introduces ‘Evolution Series’ of coating products
    NanoGrafix engineers new solutions for security printing NanoGrafix engineers new solutions for security printing
    Resource Label Group acquires Missouri-based Ample Labels Resource Label Group acquires Missouri-based Ample Labels
    UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy UFlex joins Alliance to promote circular economy
    Chinese label printer improves OEE with AWP CleanPrint flexo plates Chinese label printer improves OEE with AWP CleanPrint flexo plates

    Related Content

    • O Labels Software Technology by Industry

      ...
      Sebastian Morrison, Manager 04.27.22

    • Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements

      Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements

      In an interview with L&NW, David Morris explains how his company's latest technology gives the operator full control of the diecutting process.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor

    • GraphTech Ltd.

      ...
      Ivan Ivanov, CEO 03.09.22


    • North America
      Global Graphics touts SmartDFE

      Global Graphics touts SmartDFE

      All four Global Graphics group companies – Global Graphics Software, Hybrid Software, Meteor Inkjet and Xitron – exhibited together for the first time.
      09.27.21

    • Europe | Flexography
      Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom

      Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom

      The facility has highlighted Edale’s flexo presses and Fujifilm’s Illumina LED UV curing system and inks.
      09.22.21


      Breaking News
      • Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      • Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      • SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      • Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      • FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
      Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
      Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      DIC’s Indian Subsidiary Begins Construction of Coating Resins Production Facility
      Celanese Declares Force Majeure on Acetyl Chain and Acetate Tow Products
      CPI Announces New Hybrid Professional Development Program for 2022
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Linear Health Sciences’ Orchid SRV Receives FDA & Health Canada Approval
      Vivasure Medical Raises $23 Million in Series D Financing Round
      New Patents Add Value to Know Labs' Bio-RFID Tech
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Evotec SE and Sernova Corp Announce Partnership in the Field of Diabetes
      Emergex COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Successfully Coated onto Zosano Micro-Needle Patch
      Thabor Therapeutics Appoints Jérémie Mariau as CEO
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Aveda is Leaping Bunny Approved by Cruelty Free International
      Smashbox Expands Becca Highlighter Collection
      Bite Beauty Is Closing Later This Year
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Filipino Cosmetics Company Sunnies Face Enters US Market
      Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
      Nautica Introduces Oceans Pacific Coast Vegan & Sustainable Fine Fragrance Collection
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Nazdar Ink Technologies to Manufacture VFP Ink Technologies Electronic Inks for US
      Sun Chemical Heads to Flexo and Labels 2022
      PETRONAS Chemicals Group to Acquire Perstorp Group
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
      The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart
      Jim Cree Joins Monadnock Nonwovens
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Paragon 28 Launches Grappler Suture Anchor System
      Paul Stellato Appointed Chief Accounting Officer at Zimmer Biomet
      DuPuy Synthes’ INHANCE Shoulder System Cleared by FDA for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Jabil Strengthens Additive Manufacturing Offerings
      Avery Dennison, Wiliot Partner to Build and Scale the Future of IoT
      HP Delivers Enhanced Platform Capabilities to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing Production at Scale

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login